Hadith Explanation

No Garlic Onion Breath Please

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Anyone who eats garlic and onions or leeks should not come near our Masjid. The angels are harmed by what harms the sons of Adam.” [Sahih Muslim]

Just as people don’t appreciate foul smells, neither do angels. That is why the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) told us not to go to gatherings of people and angels with bad breath. Wherever people sit to remember Allah, talk about the things that please Him, study the Quran, or pray, angels envelop people with their wings.

Therefore, we should take care to clean our mouths and teeth with Miswaak before setting out for such gatherings. Similarly, we should make sure that our bodies are clean and our clothes are not smelly either, so that people or angels are not disturbed by our presence.